A faint golden glow crept through the curtains, casting soft patterns across the lavish room. Jane stirred, her body sinking deeper into the plush mattress. For a moment, she forgot where she was. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, mixing with the distant aroma of coffee.
Her eyes fluttered open. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar—smooth, pristine, not the usual peeling paint of her hostel room.
Then it all came back. The rain. The near accident. Sophia.
Jane sat up abruptly, her fingers clutching the silky sheets. The room was just as grand as it had been the night before, and yet, now in the daylight, it felt even more surreal. She had actually spent the night here.
Her stomach let out a quiet growl, a not-so-gentle reminder that she hadn't eaten much last night. Hesitantly, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the soft carpet.
Voices drifted in from beyond the door. A quiet murmur, followed by the clinking of dishes. Jane hesitated, debating whether she should step out or wait until Sophia came to fetch her.
Before she could decide, a gentle knock sounded.
"Are you awake?" Sophia's voice came from the other side, smooth and composed.
Jane swallowed and quickly ran a hand through her hair before answering, "Yeah… I'm up."
The door creaked open, and Sophia leaned against the frame, dressed in a sleek beige blouse and fitted black pants. Her hair was still damp, as if she'd just showered, and in the daylight, her features looked even more striking—sharp, elegant, effortlessly poised.
"Good. I made coffee," Sophia said simply. "Come eat before it gets cold."
Jane blinked, caught off guard. "You… cook?"
Sophia smirked. "I didn't say I cooked. I said I made coffee."
Jane let out a small laugh, the tension easing just a bit. She stood up, smoothing down her wrinkled clothes. "I guess I owe you breakfast, then."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "You know how to cook?"
Jane grinned. "Better than just making coffee."
Sophia chuckled, stepping back. "We'll see about that."
As Jane followed her out of the room, she couldn't help but feel something unfamiliar settle in her chest—something warm. It was strange, waking up in a place that wasn't home yet didn't feel entirely unwelcoming.
She wasn't sure what this was, but somehow, she didn't mind.
Jane followed Sophia down the hallway, her bare feet brushing against the cool marble floor. The morning light streamed through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the house—sleek, modern, yet unexpectedly inviting. It was a home that spoke of wealth but not of warmth, yet, oddly, Jane didn't feel out of place.
As they entered the dining area, Jane's eyes flickered to the simple yet refined breakfast spread—a pot of coffee, neatly stacked croissants, butter, and jam. It wasn't extravagant, but it was enough.
Sophia gestured toward a chair. "Sit."
Jane hesitated, then pulled it out and lowered herself onto it, her fingers trailing over the smooth wooden surface. She looked up as Sophia poured them both coffee, sliding one cup toward her.
"Not much of a breakfast person?" Jane asked, nodding at the sparse meal.
Sophia took a sip of her coffee before responding, "Mornings are for caffeine. Food is optional."
Jane smirked. "And yet, you have croissants."
Sophia arched a brow. "That's called balance."
"This is… nice," Jane murmured, eyeing the setup.
Sophia took a sip of her coffee, watching her. "It's just breakfast."
Jane reached for a croissant, tearing off a piece before glancing up. "Still. I don't usually have breakfast like this. Feels… fancy."
Sophia smirked. "Then I take it you're used to instant noodles and vending machine snacks?"
Jane huffed. "Hey, don't judge. Hostel food isn't exactly five-star dining."
Sophia leaned back slightly, crossing her legs. "You live in a hostel?"
Jane nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah.
Jane huffed a quiet laugh before picking up a croissant, tearing off a piece. She popped it into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again. "I should probably get going after this."
Sophia leaned back slightly. "Where exactly am I dropping you off?"
"The hostel," Jane said. "I need to change before class."
Sophia tapped her fingers lightly against the table. "You work late shifts and then go straight to class?"
Jane shrugged. "Scholarship covers tuition, but the rest is on me. Rent, food, books—it adds up."
Sophia studied her for a moment, her expression unreadable. "And last night? You didn't realize how late it was?"
Jane exhaled. "I lost track of time." She swirled her coffee absentmindedly. "By the time I got out, I just wanted to grab something to eat. Guess I wasn't paying attention."
Sophia's gaze didn't waver. "You were lucky."
Jane glanced up, meeting her eyes. "I know."
A stretch of silence settled between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.
Sophia finally stood, picking up her cup. "Finish up. I'll drive you back."
Jane nodded, swallowing the last of her croissant. "Thanks… for this."
Sophia paused, then offered a small nod before turning toward the kitchen.
Something about the moment lingered—quiet, unspoken.
Jane wasn't sure what it was.
But for the first time in a while, she didn't feel so alone.
Sophia's gaze flickered to Jane's hand as she reached for her coffee cup. "How's your wound?" she asked, setting her own cup down.
Jane glanced at her palm, where a thin bandage wrapped around the small scrape from last night. "It's fine," she said, flexing her fingers. "Doesn't even hurt anymore."
Sophia reached across the table, taking Jane's wrist in her hand with the ease of a practiced doctor. Her fingers were cool and steady as she unwrapped the bandage, inspecting the wound with sharp, assessing eyes.
Jane stiffened at the touch, caught off guard by the sudden proximity. "Uh—"
"It's healing well," Sophia murmured, brushing a thumb lightly over the skin around the scrape. "No redness, no swelling. That's good."
Jane cleared her throat, pulling her hand back gently. "Told you, I'm fine."
Sophia smirked, leaning back in her chair. "You say that now, but if it got infected, you'd be regretting it."
Jane rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "You sound like an actual doctor or something."
Sophia arched a brow. "Maybe because I am?"
Jane snorted. "Right. Forgot I was having breakfast with Dr. Fancy Car."
Sophia shook her head, amused. "You're lucky I'm patient."
"Yeah?" Jane grinned. "How lucky?"
Sophia didn't answer, just stood and picked up her keys from the table. "Come on," she said, tilting her head toward the door. "Let's get you back."
Jane grabbed the last bite of her croissant before following Sophia out of the dining area.
The ride back to the hostel was quiet, the city slowly stirring to life around them. Jane watched the buildings pass, lost in thought.
She wasn't sure why, but she found herself stealing glances at Sophia—her sharp profile, the way she gripped the wheel, the calm confidence in the way she drove.
Something about her felt… different.
Jane wasn't sure what it meant.
But she was sure this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.